Portage County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds
Portage County bail and bond: the Justice Center jail in Ravenna and where bonds are paid
Adults arrested in Portage County are held in the Portage County Jail, inside the Portage County Justice Center at 8240 Infirmary Road, Ravenna, OH 44266. The Sheriff's Office runs it day and night. Look the person up on Portage County Inmate Search to see whether the booking is complete and what bail is set. The Sheriff's non-emergency line, 330-296-5100 (option 9), answers what the search cannot. Court bonds are paid at the Clerk of Courts in the Ravenna courthouse on weekdays. Municipal Court bonds can also be paid at the jail after hours.
1. Which building holds my family member after an arrest in Portage County?
Every adult booked by a Portage County agency goes to the Justice Center on Infirmary Road in Ravenna. The jail has held men and women there since it opened in May 1995, and it never closes.
Because the jail is open around the clock, a person arrested late on a weekend night is booked there too, and you can start searching right away.
2. How do I confirm that someone is inside right now?
Start with Portage County Inmate Search. A fresh booking can take a little while to appear, so refresh before you worry.
If the name still does not show, call the Sheriff's Office at 330-296-5100 and press 9 for non-emergency. Jail records staff answer at 330-297-3892. Have the full legal name and date of birth ready.
3. Where do I take a court bond during the week?
Pay at the Clerk of Courts office in the Ravenna courthouse, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The clerk's line for bond and court questions is 330-297-3644.
Call before you leave home and ask for the exact amount and the case number. Write down the name of the clerk who helps you.
4. Can I pay at night or on a weekend?
Yes, for Municipal Court cases. After 5:00 p.m. on weekdays, and at any hour on weekends, the Municipal Court bond can be paid at the jail itself.
This opening is for Municipal Court bonds. A felony bond belongs to the Common Pleas Court, and the Clerk of Courts takes it during courthouse hours. If you are unsure which court owns the case, ask the jail desk at 330-296-5100 before you pay.
5. Does paying by card cost extra?
Under the Municipal Court's bond schedule, a 4 percent service fee is added to credit and debit card payments. On a $1,000 bond that is $40 more.
Every Ohio municipal court must also have a rule that allows bail by credit card, so cards are a normal choice. Ask the clerk whether cash or another form is quicker for your case.
6. What amounts does the Municipal Court schedule set?
The schedule exists so that a person can leave before a judge hears the case. A standard non-violent misdemeanor carries a $500 personal bond, which means a signature and a promise to come back.
First and second drunk-driving arrests carry a presumption of release on a personal bond for Ohio residents. A third within ten years is $10,000, either 10 percent cash or a surety bond. Out-of-state drivers face different figures: $2,000 for a first offense, $3,250 for a second and $20,000 for a third within ten years.
7. Why does the schedule say "no bond" for some charges?
For domestic violence, menacing by stalking and violating a protection order, the schedule holds the person until a judge reviews bond at the next regular court session. Ohio Revised Code 2919.251 tells the judge how to approach those cases.
The same holding rule covers felonies, felony drunk driving, offenses of violence and charges that involve a firearm. A concealed-carry charge follows the regular misdemeanor schedule. "No bond yet" is a waiting status, and a judge can still set bail at the hearing.
8. When does a Portage County judge first look at bail?
A judge must hold the first bail hearing no later than the second court day after the arrest, with weekends and court holidays set aside. A person still held without a lawyer gets a second hearing two court days later, and the court appoints counsel at state expense when the person cannot pay.
Portage County Municipal Court sits in both Ravenna and Kent. Common Pleas judges hear felonies in Ravenna.
9. Which court and which clerk will I call?
Misdemeanors and traffic charges go to Portage County Municipal Court. The Ravenna criminal and traffic office is at 330-297-3639. The Kent criminal and traffic office is at 330-678-9100. The Ravenna court is at 203 W. Main Street.
Felonies are handled by the Clerk of Courts at 330-297-3644. Courthouse offices keep Monday through Friday hours, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
10. What is a 10 percent bond in Portage County?
The schedule marks its misdemeanor lines "10% cash/surety." You hand the court one tenth of the amount. For a $5,000 bond, that is $500.
When the case ends and all conditions are met, the court returns 90 percent of what you put down. Ask the Clerk of Courts at 330-297-3644 how to collect it, and keep your receipt with the case number.
11. Can a licensed bail agent post the bond?
Yes. The schedule names surety bonds alongside cash. An agent needs a license from the Ohio Department of Insurance, must charge only the premium rate filed with the state, and must tell you about any expense fee.
No agent may demand the deed to your home, or approach families at the jail or courthouse. Questions about a rate go to the Department of Insurance at 614-644-2665.
12. Could I use my house or land to guarantee the bond?
A bond secured by real estate is allowed under Ohio law. The owner signs an affidavit that describes the property, the loans against it and any other bonds the owner already backs, and the court must be satisfied that the owner can cover the full bond.
Lawyers may not serve as sureties. Ask the Clerk of Courts at 330-297-3644 which forms the court wants, and expect it to take longer than paying cash.
13. What does "no bail" mean on a serious felony?
The Ohio Constitution allows a court to deny bail only in a capital case, or in a felony where the proof is evident and the person poses a substantial risk of serious physical harm. A hearing under R.C. 2937.222 comes first.
The judge must find three things by clear and convincing evidence, and the family may bring a lawyer. A denial from Common Pleas can be appealed.
14. Where does a Portage County teenager go after an arrest?
Young people are not booked into the adult jail. The Portage-Geauga County Juvenile Detention Center is at 8000 Infirmary Road, Ravenna, OH 44266, and its phone is 330-297-5233.
Juvenile cases are private, so the adult search will not show a child. Call the detention center to ask where the court date stands.
15. Is there a free lawyer for someone who cannot pay?
The Portage County Public Defender is at 209 South Chestnut Street, Suite 400, Ravenna, OH 44266, and the office is open 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Call 330-297-3665. The office screens for financial need before it takes a case.
If you reach the first hearing without a lawyer, tell the judge you cannot afford one and the court will appoint counsel. A lawyer can argue for a lower amount or release without money.
16. Is putting money on the inmate's account the same as bail?
No. Jail phone, store and account deposits go to a service the jail contracts for, and none of it counts toward bail or releases anyone.
Bail is paid only to the court or its clerk, to the jail window after hours for Municipal Court cases, or to a licensed bail agent.
17. What if he misses a court date after being released?
The court can issue a warrant, and the bond can be forfeited. Failing to appear can also be charged as a separate offense.
If a friend or relative put up the money, the court cannot take it for the defendant's fines or costs without that person's written approval. Call the clerk the same day a date is missed.
Portage County bail contacts
- Jail
- Portage County Jail, Portage County Justice Center, 8240 Infirmary Road, Ravenna, OH 44266
- Sheriff's Office
- 330-296-5100 (option 9 for non-emergency); jail records 330-297-3892
- Custody lookup
- Portage County Inmate Search
- Bond guide
- Portage County bail and bond instructions
- Clerk of Courts
- Ravenna courthouse; Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; 330-297-3644
- Municipal Court
- Ravenna: 203 W. Main Street, 330-297-3639; Kent: 330-678-9100
- Public defender
- 209 South Chestnut Street, Suite 400, Ravenna; 330-297-3665
- Juvenile detention
- Portage-Geauga County Juvenile Detention Center, 8000 Infirmary Road, Ravenna; 330-297-5233
- Insurance
- Ohio Department of Insurance, 614-644-2665
Bond amounts, fees, hours and phone numbers change. Confirm with the Clerk of Courts or the jail before you hand over money. This page is a plain-language guide and not legal advice.
How do Bail Bonds work at Portage County Jail
- All bonds for inmates can be paid at the Clerk of Courts office at the Ravenna Courthouse, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
203 W Main Street - Ravenna, OH 44266
- Questions regarding bonds or any court related information should also be directed to the Clerk of Courts office, at 330-297-3644.
- Municipal Court bonds can also be paid at the Portage County Jail after 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, or any time on Saturday and Sunday. Call the jail at 330-297-3891 for the amount and instructions.
Portage County Justice Center
8240 Infirmary Road
Ravenna, OH 44266
Portage County Jail
Address:
8240 Infirmary Road
Ravenna, OH 44266
Phone:
330-297-3891
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Portage County
Does Portage County have bail?
What kind of bonds are accepted in Portage County?
Who can set bail in Portage County?
When is bail set in Portage County Ohio?
Does Portage County have bail?
Yes, Portage County recognizes most types of bonds.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Portage County?
Bail in Portage County is available in several different types including personal bond (aka own recognizance), cash bond, 10% bond, surety bond, and property bond.
Who can set bail in Portage County?
A judge usually sets bond. In some counties the County Court has established a bail schedule, which outlines the bail for many non-violent or minor crimes. If a charge is not part of the bail schedule a hearing will be necessary.
When is bail set in Portage County Ohio?
Bail is set in Ohio the first time the accused is brought into court. Although this hearing is set as soon as possible based on court availability, it can take up to 3 days not including weekends or holidays.
What is Bail?
Bail is what the arrested in Portage County must pay or do to stay out of jail until the first court appearance.
The agreement to bail acts as a promise that the arrested will return to court for court dates and trial. Bail usually refers to a dollar amount, but bail can also mean something that has to be done, or a condition such as reporting to an officer of the court, a curfew, restraining orders or attending a treatment program.
Bail is usually a significant enough amount of money and/or condition that the person will be negatively impacted and has incentive to return to court and not flee. A flight risk usually means that the person would flee the area, and not necessary that they are going to take an airplane.
If a judge in Portage County feels that the arrested will return to court for further proceedings, the arrested could be released under a conditional release without needing to pay bail money. This is called Released on Own Recognizance, or ROR.
Conditions for ROR might be to obey all court orders and laws, maintain contact with the lawyer, report changes in residence or have no contact with the victim. Family support will show the court that there are people who will make sure that the defendant makes it to court.
If the judge or bail schedule determines that the defendant would be a danger to the public if they were released, bail can be denied, and the person will be detained in the Portage County Jail until the case is resolved or goes to trial.
Bail can be denied if the defendant did not comply with bail conditions from a previous arrest. Bail is usually denied in cases of violent offenses.
What is the difference between Bail and Bond?
Bail and bond are used interchangeably to mean the same thing but technically, they are different. The bail is the amount to be paid and a bond is a signed document promising payment of the bail amount with certain conditions. Think of a bond as a loan to pay for the bail.
The bond payment is always written to the court in your municipality, Portage County or district directly and does not go through the defendant. Chances of obtaining a bond from a bond company or clerk of court are better if family is involved.
The thought of being in jail can cause the arrested to panic and try to secure a bond immediately.
DO NOT panic and take the time to understand all the options.
More courts are now trying to work with defendants to make bail work and might provide non-monetary options or even reduce the bail.
Payments to a bond company are not refundable. It is a long process to get back property title or money that was given to the clerk of court or bondsperson to secure the bond. This could put your loved ones into a difficult financial situation.
Another reason not to unnecessarily rush into securing a bond is that if the court notes that you came up with the money to pay a bond company, they may assume you have resources to pay a defense attorney and decline public defense.
On the other hand, as anyone who has ever been involved in their criminal defense understands, fighting your case while ‘out on the streets’ gives you a much better chance of either winning, or getting a more favorable sentence.
What are the different types of bonds in Portage County?
Based on a review of information from the arrest, the judge or bail officer will determine and notify the accused of which types of bonds are available to them.
To describe the types of bonds, let’s use an example of buying your neighbor’s car. Your neighbor decides the price of the car and how they would be paid.
Similarly, the court (meaning a police or bail officer, clerk of court, bail magistrate or judge) determines the bail amount and how it would be paid.
Here are different options that the seller of the car or the court might consider:
You could pay full asking price for the car in cash. This is similar to paying cash bail. The full amount of bail would be paid to the town or county clerk or at the jail. Cash, cashier’s checks and credit cards are usually accepted.
You could sign an agreement on your own or with another person to pay for the car at a future date knowing that your neighbor would know where to find you if you stopped payment. This would be similar to a cash bond or a personal recognizance (PR) bond which are bonds to where someone representing the defendant signs paperwork promising to pay the bail amount if the defendant does not show up to court. There is no money due up front.
If the defendant does not show up, the full amount of the bail will be due to the court and the people who signed the paperwork will be responsible for paying the court and the court will send the sheriff’s department to arrest you.
Cash bonds and PR bonds are types of unsecured bonds because you are not securing it with any money down. In bond terms, a surety is a person who will be responsible for making sure that you will show to court and will be responsible to pay the bond if the arrested person does not show up.
Surety can be family, friend or a bondsperson. Your attorney cannot act as a surety.
You can put a deposit down for your neighbor’s car and sign an agreement that the car will be paid off at a later date. Cash percentage in lieu of bonds is when the defendant pays a percentage of the bail amount, usually 10%, to the court which then holds the money until the case is over.
The amount is returned to the person who paid the 10% after the case is over. In most cases, the full amount is not returned if there are court fees or fines due. This is a type of surety bond if another person signs the bond paperwork.
You could sign an agreement that if the car were not paid off, that your neighbor would get your house or something of value.
A property bond is a bond that the courts might consider in which the bond is pledged in land or home real estate (mobile homes are not accepted).
Usually, the property must be in the same state as the courts, and it must be worth at least 1 ½ - 2 times the amount of the bond.
There are multiple court fees involved to execute a property bond with the courts and a tedious process to get the property deed back. This is another type of surety bond if another person or a bond company is used to secure the bond.
You could also go to a local bank and take out a car loan offering property or anything of value for collateral. You may get someone to co-sign on the loan and offer their property. The bank charges fees, interest and could keep your property if you did not pay the loan back, or even on time.
A professional bondsperson makes money, at least 10% of the bond amount by providing you with a “loan” called a bond. The percent that they charge is fixed by the state and cannot be negotiated. The defendant or surety does not get that 10% or more back even if the terms of the bail are met.
With a property bond, the property deed would need to be signed over to the bondsperson and everyone on the deed would need to be involved.
Since the bondsperson signed off, to be responsible that you show to court as your surety, they can send a bounty hunter to bring you to court if you flee. A bondsperson does not have to give you a bond if the defendant seems to be too much of a risk.
Ask the bondsperson to explain all the costs: percentage, fees or court fees. There is never a reason to rush through signing the paperwork with a bond company. Make sure that everything told to you is in writing and that you understand what you are signing. Ask questions, and if you feel rushed or don’t understand the contract with the bond company, you might want to call another one.
(There have been phone scams where a bond company calls and informs a person that their family member has been arrested and they ask for financial information. A bondsperson will not call asking for money without involvement of the arrested.)
Does Portage County have bail?
Yes, Portage County recognizes most types of bonds.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Portage County?
Bail in Portage County is available in several different types including personal bond (aka own recognizance), cash bond, 10% bond, surety bond, and property bond.
Who can set bail in Portage County?
A judge usually sets bond. In some counties the County Court has established a bail schedule, which outlines the bail for many non-violent or minor crimes. If a charge is not part of the bail schedule a hearing will be necessary.
When is bail set in Ohio?
Bail is set in Ohio the first time the accused is brought into court. Although this hearing is set as soon as possible based on court availability, it can take up to 3 days not including weekends or holidays.
Can I get the bail or bond reduced in Portage County Ohio?
Yes, if there are extenuating circumstances, let the judicial officer know. The accused can ask for bail reduction or a change in bail conditions.
In Portage County Ohio, who can pay bail for me?
The person posting bail should be a relative or close friend, called a surety, because they are promising and taking responsibility that you will return to court to get their money back.
A surety is not responsible for court fees or paying off personal debts for the defendant. A professional bondsperson who is approved by the State of Ohio could be the surety and execute a bond to the court on your behalf.
Can bail be paid online in Portage County Ohio?
Yes, Portage County does offer online bail payment. In Ohio, bail payment is made to the Clerk of Court.
What options are there to pay bail in Portage County Ohio?
Most all jail and courts accept cash, a cashier or bankers’ check. Some accept a credit card with fees. Please contact the jail for specific information on what methods of payment are accepted: Go to the Portage County Jail for more information about posting bail in Portage County. An alternative would be to contact the Clerk of Court.
Will I get all my bond money back in Ohio?
Bail money is returned to the person who paid the bail; in whole or in part once the case is finished. There may be fees, restitution (money to pay for damage caused by the crime) or fines that come out of that amount. If you used a bondsperson, you would not get your 10% back. Property is returned by the court or bondsperson after the appropriate requests and formal paperwork are completed with the court.
Can I get bail or a bond with no money down in Portage County?
The judge or officer who sets bail determines which kind of bail will be an option for you, but a cash bond and PR bonds usually do not require cash down, though you might have to pay court fees.
A cash bond or a personal recognizance (PR) bond are bonds where someone representing the defendant signs paperwork promising to pay the bail amount if the defendant does not show up to court. There is no money due up front.
If the defendant does not show up, the full amount of the bail will be due to the court and the people who signed the paperwork will be responsible for paying the court and the court will send the sheriff’s department to arrest you.
Cash bonds and PR bonds are types of unsecured bonds because you are not securing it with any money down. In bond terms, a surety is a person who will be responsible to make sure that you will show to court and will be responsible to pay the bond if the arrested person does not show up. A surety can be family, friend or a bondsperson. Your attorney cannot act as a surety.
What are the least expensive and affordable bail bonds in Ohio?
The Portage County Jail or court in this jurisdiction can provide you with a list of approved and licensed bond companies, but they cannot recommend a specific company. You are not obligated to use the first company available and can call several companies to compare what kind of bonds that the bondsperson is willing to execute.
The percentage of bail that the bond company can charge is set, usually at 10%, by the state and cannot be negotiated.
Instructions on how to post Bail or Bond in Portage County
All bonds for inmates can be paid at the Clerk of Courts office at the Ravenna Courthouse, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Questions regarding bonds or any court related information should also be directed to the Clerk of Courts office, at 330-297-3644.
Municipal Court bonds can also be paid at the Portage County Jail after 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, or any time on Saturday and Sunday.
Because Portage County and Ohio can change their bail bond procedures, it is always best to call either the jail or the Portage County Court Clerk directly after an arrestee has been booked.
Ask the jail or county clerk representative these specific questions:
- Is the defendant eligible for bail or a bond?
- How much will the bail or bond be?
- Where do I go to pay it?
- Are there any days or times of the day or night when I cannot post bail?
- What types of payment are allowed? Cash? Money order? Credit card? What types of credit cards? Property or other collateral? Surety bonds?
- Do I have to use a bail or bond agent?
To save you the time and trouble, jailexchange.com has compiled the bail bond policies for the Ravenna area which you can link to directly by going here or here.
If you feel the bail is too high and you wish to get it reduced, contact a lawyer or the defendant's public defender and get them to look into what they can do to get a bail reduction.
Option 1 - How to Post Bail using Cash for a Defendant at Portage County Jail
The first option, a cash bond, is to pay the full bail amount in cash, cashier's check, or money order. Personal Checks are not accepted.
Depending on the crime, this amount could be anywhere from $100 to $75,000 or more.
To pay a cash bond, go to Portage County Jail or to the court where the bail hearing occurred. Going directly to the jail will quicken the release of the defendant as any bail paperwork processed at the court will have to be transferred to the jail.
Cashier's Checks and Money Orders may be made out to Portage County Jail where the defendant is being held, but usually to the Portage County Sheriff's Office or to the Portage County Court.
To purchase money orders visit any Western Union, Moneygram or Post Office.
Option 2 - How to Post a Private or Surety Bond for a Defendant at Portage County Jail
In the event that someone does not have the full bond amount available to him or her, there is what is called a private bond or surety bond.
This is an agreement made with a bail agent or bondsman who will post the full bail amount. In return, the defendant and/or cosigner will pay a premium to the bail agent. This premium will be 10-15% of the full bail amount.
For example, if bail is posted at $5,000, then the premium will cost approximately $500-$750.
A bail agent will often require some form of collateral, for example, a lien on a house, a car or jewelry. This is to ensure that if the defendant skips bail, or does not appear in court, the bail agent has some sort of compensation for the full bail amount being paid.
Remember, by making an agreement with a bail agent the signatory takes responsibility for paying the full bail amount if the defendant does not appear in court.
Option 3 - How to Post a Property Bond for a Defendant at Portage County Jail
If you are a landowner in Portage County you may be able to post a property bond. Property within Portage County may be used as collateral to bail someone out. All owners of the property must be present to sign the bond in order for this to happen.
To find if property located outside of Portage County can be used as collateral, call a local bail or bond agent or contact a defense lawyer.
Click here for additional information on how to post bail at Portage County Jail.